Free speech shouldn't be a safety hazard

Every few weeks commuters on I-355 are subjected to a traffic jam beyond what should normally be expected. The village of Lombard grants a group of "Down With Obama" protesters the right to drape flags and banners all over the Prairie Path bridge, causing stop-and-go traffic for miles in each direction.

Lombard officials acknowledge the problem they are allowing these people to cause, admitting they are deluged with complaints. But they claim since it's free speech there's nothing they can do. What they seem to be ignoring is the fact that free speech has its limits -- such as when it creates a public nuisance or a safety hazard. Let them have their little protest, but restrict them to times away from rush hour!

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